Vince, who has previously played down under as an overseas star for Sydney Thunder, was spurred on to make a success of his Test comeback after hearing Hayden join the Australian chorus querying the international pedigree of the majority of the England team.

Former Test opener Hayden singled out captain Joe Root and other senior players, but otherwise described England as a "rabble" - before asking "Who are they?"

Vince also had critics to answer back home, where many questioned his inclusion on this tour after he was dropped with a sub-20 average and joint top-score of 42 in seven Tests up to August last year.

"Reading comments like that almost gives you an extra incentive to go out there and try to make a statement," said the 26-year-old England No 3, who shared a crucial century stand with opener Mark Stoneman (53).

"If he [Hayden] didn't know who we were at the start of the day, he probably does now.

"I guess it just gives you a bit more inspiration and fight to go out there and try to prove people wrong."

Vince naturally had mixed feelings nonetheless, after he was run out by Nathan Lyon's direct-hit from cover with a century on Ashes debut apparently beckoning.

"In hindsight I wouldn't take the run, but it was a good pick-up and throw," he said of the off-spinner, who was far from flattered by his figures of 24-9-40-0. "He bowled pretty well, and deserved something from the day.